If you have ever read one of my posts regarding same-sex attractions and unions, it’s not a secret where I stand regarding same-sex unions / marriages. As much as I’m sure many of you would like for me to discuss why I believe that marriage is for a man and a woman, that horse has been beaten enough.

The reaction over the past week has prompted me to examine how I share my views and my faith. Throughout his presidency, his campaign, and his political career, President Obama has tip-toed around where he stood regarding same-sex relationships and marriages. He delivered remarks at the HRC’s annual dinner last October. Even though his expression of his support of same-sex marriages didn’t occur until last week, supporting an organization such as the Human Rights Campaign is a subtle hint that a person supports same-sex marriages.

But, until last week, it has been just that – a hint.

I wondered if my life has been a ‘hint’ regarding my faith as a Catholic Christian. I wear a crucifix, attend Mass on Sundays, and even write this blog. But is my life just a hint that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that His death and resurrection will bring me eternal life? Is my life just a hint that I might believe in the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, a hint that I may believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

I had the opportunity yesterday to make it known that there is no hint about my faith – I am a Christian. At Mass, we renewed our Baptismal promises as a part of the ongoing celebration of the Easter season. The priest asked us the following:

V. Do you reject Satan?R. I do.V. And all his works?R. I do.V. And all his empty promises?R. I do.V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?R. I do.

V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?R. I do.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?R. I do.

V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

As the days followed, many questions were raised regarding the timing, the motivation, and the implications of this announcement. Did President Obama issue this statement in response to Vice President Biden’s appearance on Meet the Press? Was this announcement an election year strategy to gain support of undecided voters? In reading Andrew Sullivan’s article for Newsweek (to be on newsstands this week), I noticed that it was no coincidence that Robin Roberts conducted the interview. “Even this was calculated: to have this moment occur between two African-Americans would help Obama calm opposition within parts of the black community.” President Obama referenced the influence of the lives of people he knows and works with who are in same-sex relationships.

Everything about this announcement was calculated – the interviewer, the timing, and the personal touch regarding his daughters. Yes, I realize that this is the President of the United States and very few statments from him (if any) aren’t carefully timed, evaluating the impacts and planning each detail, right down to what tie he wore. I don’t doubt that President Obama supports same-sex marriage. I don’t doubt the sincerity and truth of his statement.

As a Catholic Christian, I want to live my life and speak words that leave little to mis-interpretation. If I had an assistant, I probably wouldn’t consult with him/her regarding how I will express my beliefs and faith regarding Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t wait for someone else to speak up first and then rush to make a statement to be in-line with my colleague.

Most of all, I pray that I have the courage to not just state my beliefs, but to act in accordance. In his interview, President Obama didn’t make any statements regarding what actions were going to proceed from this public statement. He simply stated his beliefs. I pray for the grace to not just state my beliefs, but to follow with actions that show that I am serious.

In light of all this, I leave you with this week’s Newsweek cover. If it was your face, what would you like to be known as? What would your halo symbolize?